WW2 Civil Defence Uniforms, Insignia & Equipment
WW2 Civil Defence Uniforms, Insignia & Equipment
  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
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    • Hats, Berets & Caps
    • Footwear & Gaiters
    • ARP & CD Buttons
  • Insignia
    • Rank Badges
    • Breast Badges
    • Beret / Cap Badges
    • Area Markings
    • Shoulder Titles / Flashes
    • War Service Chevrons
    • Armbands
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
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    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
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    • Goggles
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    • Helmets of the Home Front
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    • Fire Guard History
  • Resources
    • Books
    • Re-enacting
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    • ARP Memo 17
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    • Uniform Sizes
    • Original WW2 Photographs
    • Re-enacting Photos
    • Fake & Reproduction ARP Badges
    • Links
  • Contact
    • About
  • Blog
  • Donate
  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
    • Ladies' Wrapover Overalls
    • Lady Wardens' Coat
    • Serge Uniforms
    • Ambulance Uniforms
    • Nursing Uniforms
    • Women’s Voluntary Services Uniforms
    • Hats, Berets & Caps
    • Footwear & Gaiters
    • ARP & CD Buttons
  • Insignia
    • Rank Badges
    • Breast Badges
    • Beret / Cap Badges
    • Area Markings
    • Shoulder Titles / Flashes
    • War Service Chevrons
    • Armbands
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
    • Bomb Reconnaissance
    • Wound Stripes
    • ARP Whistle & Lanyards
    • Lapel Badges
    • Medals & Ribbons
    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
    • Air Raid Warning
    • Fire Tackling
    • Anti-Gas Equipment
    • Rescue Equipment
    • Goggles
    • Lamps & Torches
    • Respirators (Gas masks)
    • ARP Penknife
    • ARP Water Bottle
  • Helmets
    • Helmets of the Home Front
  • Fire Guard
    • Fire Guard History
  • Resources
    • Books
    • Re-enacting
    • Buyers' Guide
    • ARP Memo 17
    • Civil Defence Pattern Nos
    • Uniform Sizes
    • Original WW2 Photographs
    • Re-enacting Photos
    • Fake & Reproduction ARP Badges
    • Links
  • Contact
    • About
  • Blog
  • Donate

WW2 ARP & Civil Defence equipment


A vast array of equipment and documentation was manufactured and issued to the various Civil Defence services. A key area was that of dealing with the likelihood of a gas attack. One of the most iconic images of the second world war is the gas mask (or respirator) that was issued to every person.

Gas Decontamination squads were issued with a plethora of gas detection devices and protective equipment. The first responders to bombing incidents were issued with medical supplies as were Wardens' Posts.

​First Aid kits were also marketed at the general public. All services were issued with goggles and torches.

The Rescue services primarily used pre-exiting items - many members of a squad were drawn from local building trades. Rescue vehicles were converted from various requisitioned cars and lorries and equipped with the necessary items to deal with bombed buildings (ladders, shoring, pumps etc).
Colourized photo of a Gas Identification Officer
Colourized photo of a Gas Identification Officer (Cassowary Colorizations)

Documentation ☞
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